This homemade BBQ Beans Recipe is the best vegan comfort food! It hits the perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy and smoky for tonnes of flavour. This recipe uses store cupboard ingredients only, including canned beans, meaning you can whip up these BBQ baked beans in no time at all!
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Is anyone sure what season it is anymore? Last week in the UK we had the hottest February SINCE RECORDS BEGAN and then yesterday we had hail. Should I be eating crockpot meals or whipping out the barbeque? Fluffy socks or bikinis?! I don’t even know anymore. What I do know is that these homemade BBQ beans can kind of fit into all seasons. Have then atop fluffy jacket potatoes in the cooler months, or as a side to BBQ dishes when Summertime hits. Versatility my friends!
These BBQ beans really utilise your store cupboard spices, including things like mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. One of the most essential ingredients, however, is liquid smoke. I’ve tried making this recipe without it and no amount of smoked paprika will give you the smoky flavour we are looking for here. Trust me.
This BBQ beans recipe also uses maple syrup as a sweetener as it adds great flavour. I don’t fall into the belief that because it’s a ‘natural’ sugar it is better for you, it all breaks down in the body the same way. So if you’d prefer to use white or brown sugar go for it! Or if you’re partial to coconut sugar or date syrup, use those instead! The important thing is that you have some kind of sweetener in. Sweetness in BBQ sauce is essential.
How to make BBQ Beans
Time needed: 30 minutes.
- Add the spices and the liquid ingredients to the pot.
- Mix everything together.
- Bring the mixture to the boil for 2 minutes, then reduce the temperature to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add in the tinned beans and cook for a further 10 minutes.
Homemade BBQ Beans FAQ
Allow the beans to cool at room temperature for no longer than two hours. Transfer the BBQ beans to an air-tight Tupperware container and store them in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Once cooled, transfer the BBQ beans to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To thaw, transfer the beans from the freezer to the fridge. They can take up to 24 hours to defrost this way. Alternatively, use the defrost setting on your microwave to thaw the BBQ beans.
Place the BBQ beans into a saucepan or casserole pot, place on the stove and simmer for approximately 5 minutes. Add a splash of water if the beans appear to be dry. You could also use the microwave to reheat the beans. Microwave on full power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Cooking time will vary depending on individual microwaves. Ensure the BBQ beans are piping hot before serving.
Why you should cook these Homemade BBQ Beans ASAP!
- It’s warm, hearty and comforting – perfect for these cold Winter evenings!
- It can be made entirely with store cupboard ingredients.
- That also makes it easier on the wallet/purse!
- Beans are a fabulous source of protein, meaning they are fab to include in a vegan diet!
- It’s so easy to throw together and only takes 30 minutes, which is exactly what you want on a weeknight.
Want more Vegan Comfort Food? Check out these recipes:
- Vegan Chilli Sin Carne with Guacamole
- Simple Tadka Dal Recipe with Butternut Squash
- Spiced Butternut Squash Soup with Celeriac and Apple
- Vegan Bolognese with Mushroom and Lentil
- 5 Ingredient Vegan Vodka Pasta from Pinch of Yum
Homemade BBQ Beans Recipe
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Homemade BBQ Beans Recipe
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: Vegan, Southern
Description
These homemade BBQ beans are made entirely from store cupboard ingredients and can be ready in just 30 minutes! They’re the perfect vegan comfort food and great for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (I use Stubb’s Hickory Liquid Smoke)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 3 tablespoons tomato puree
- 60 millilitres soy sauce
- 80 millilitres cider vinegar
- 80 millilitres maple syrup
- 500 millilitres water
- 2 400 gram tins mixed beans in water, drained
- Salt, to taste
To serve:
- Jacket potatoes or Sweet potatoes
- Cheese (vegan or dairy)
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients, except the beans, into a casserole pot. Mix everything together.
- Turn the heat on and bring everything to a boil for 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the beans and simmer further for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Taste and add salt as required.
- Serve the beans over jacket potatoes and enjoy!
Keywords: Homemade BBQ Beans, Homemade BBQ Beans Recipe, BBQ Beans Recipe, Easy Beans Recipe, Vegan Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner
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I love the idea of these bbq beans! They’s be great even as a side dish at a bbq!! We also had a very warm February here in Northern Italy. In fact, all my daffs are out and the fruit trees are flowering! I just hope it doesn’t turn cold now!
★★★★★
Oh, that sounds lovely Jacqueline! We’re set to have a week of rain and cold now so maybe Winter hasn’t finished after all 🙄 But at least it’s good for the plants!
Looks so delicious and comforting! Perfect on cold winter days ♥
★★★★★
Thanks, Natalie!
I always buy my flavored beans in cans but I think I should try making them by myself.
Definitely Ilona, it’s so easy! Let me know how it goes!
Made these last night and they were a hit! Can’t wait to make them for all of our summer BBQs!
★★★★★
I’m so glad Jessica!
My hubby will absolutely love this. It has all the flavors and ingredients he loves. Unfortunately i can’t eat beans but love surprising my hubby with delicious new recipes.
★★★★★
I hope he likes them, Natalie!